No Inter-Two-Bob For Villa?

Martin O'Neill is still considering the Inter Two Bob Cup but is tempted to say Villa won't enter the competition.

Obviously winning it can lead to Uefa Cup qualification as we saw in 2001 when we won the InterToto but O'Neill is far from convinced of the merits of trying this summer.

'Yes we have thought about it. There's two games in July-time and then if you get through those you go into a pre-qualifying game for the UEFA Cup. That all sounds good, but it depends then where you finish. Let's say you did finish in the top half, there could be two or three teams in front of you who would then have the choice.'

'The easiest thing is getting into Europe and not worrying about the InterToto Cup... that's always a thought. But I have thought about it. I am not sure yet, really, because I think that most sides would put the application in and maybe one or two sides might finish in front of you who will get that chance before you. It is not as if to say there is a definitive rule that if you finish in a certain position you get it. Then we could make, for instance, pre-season plans. '

Adding on the official site: 'I would be unsure this season - that's the point. And if it comes to making a decision, which we have to make very soon, I would probably be disinclined to run with it for some of the things that have been set in motion beforehand.'

He also says plans are being made which could include a trip to America for pre-season.

'We're in the throes of doing something. Nothing has been finalised, but we were thinking of going to America. We are making some sort of plans, and of course having to make a decision with the InterToto pretty quickly, that throws things right into the air at this minute. Had I been ensconced here, and had it been my second year, I think that we would have taken that opportunity of the InterToto. That is probably my thinking at this moment, so I may be disinclined to go with it at this time.'

'If only for the fact that you could get yourself worked up about it and everything's going fine, then somebody in front of you gets the opportunity to make that decision. If we finish ninth you don't definitely get an InterToto spot. It doesn't mean either that you get one if you finish seventh.'

Vital Villa asked not long back if we should enter, 83% said yes, 17% voted no.

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Your Comments (oldest first)

All this talk is just that until we start stringing some decent results together, then the options open up to discussions around Europe. We've had some shockers away from home..Charlton, Sheffield Utd, Wigan, West Ham and Watford should have been nailed on three points.

I think staying up should be a priority at the mo. In case u haven't noticed we are still the mix for relegation with games against Liverpool and Arsenal coming up. Fulham won't be easy either. So lets just stay up and rebuild for next year and leave the toto to Blackburn et al

Yep, your right Steve64k. We need to learn how to win games right now, not just thinking about the interwhatever. On paper we should be at least 8th. We need to stop talking a good game and start winning. The confidence for next season needs to come from having a good run now. Beating Fulham should be within our capabilities, fingers crossed. UTV.

Considering we haven't played for 3 weeks talk is all that can be done at the moment. We are all champing at the bit for the next game and improving results but at least we are getting some talk from all round Villa, from players to owners instead of the silence from the previous regime, coupled with a bit of propaganda. Lets just hope the break has helped the new players gel and not made everyone match rusty.

I dont think it has anything to do with tiredness next season or concentrating on the league. We would have and in my opinion should have entered it no problem if we didnt have the US tour. The money making (or raising of the profile) comes first though which is very disappointing from the board. Its a great chance to get in Europe and get some proper pre season under our belts so we are really sharp for the new season but we have to chase the yanky dollar playing mickey mouse games instead.

Yes, unless we start clocking up the points tally, we are not going to be in a position where we'd be invited into the competition, or should I say where it would make sense to apply to enter. There'll be other clubs who look like finishing well ahead of us who will no doubt be keen to put their name forward.

The Intertoto Cup gives the club one more chance of getting European football but has many detractors saying it makes the already demanding season longer leading to more injury problems.
Everton, Blackburn, Bolton, Fulham, Middlesborough, and Newcastle have also applied.

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